If subtle isn’t your style, this trend was made for you. Maximalist Expression is all about turning up the volume. It’s a celebration of color, pattern, texture, and joy. No rules and no holding back. This aesthetic invites your retail store to become a canvas for personality, creativity, and pure visual fun. Think pattern on pattern, color on color, and a whole lot of “where did you get that?!”

The July Atlanta Market is almost here and Road Runners is bringing the heat! From July 14–21, we’re opening our brand-new showroom doors with fresh finds, new faces, and a milestone celebration you won’t want to miss. New showroom? That’s right, we’ve moved to a brand-new, completely redesigned showroom (B2-1525), now located by the escalators. Even better? Our VIPs (that’s you!) get early access with VIB Shopping starting Monday, July 14. 

With recent tariff fluctuations and increasing uncertainty around global sourcing, many retailers are asking: is it time to stock more Made-in-the-USA products? If you’re one of them, you’re not alone and Road Runners is here to help. We represent a lineup of American-made brands that deliver on quality, creativity, and compelling stories your customers will connect with. These homegrown lines offer the perfect blend of style, price, and purpose, proving you don’t have to compromise to buy American. 

The summer temps may be rising, but in the world of retail, it’s time to think cozy, festive for fall and holiday gift-giving season! Welcome to the Summer Edition of the Road Runners Buyers Guide, designed to help you plan your Fall and Winter season. As we continue celebrating 25 years of supporting independent retailers, this guide is packed with fresh finds, holiday must-haves, and proven bestsellers to carry you through the year’s biggest shopping moments. 

The summer show season is here, and we’re kicking it off in style in Dallas! From fashion-forward finds to giftable goodness, Road Runners is your go-to destination to discover what’s new and what’s next. With the Apparel Market taking place from June 10 to 13 and the Gift Market running from June 17 to 24, now is the perfect time to get ahead on your Q4 planning. 

Independent retailers are the heart of Main Street—and the heart of our industry. They’re the familiar faces on Main Street, the storefronts that shape local character, and the small businesses that make a big impact in their communities. We’ve always believed in the power of small business. That’s why we’re proud to support Heart on Main Street, an organization dedicated to uplifting and empowering independent retailers through disaster relief, education, and mentorship. 

Looking to help your customers slow down and soak it all in? Natural Comfort Chic is the trend that blends understated luxury with intentional calm, delivering a refined retail experience that soothes the senses and elevates everyday moments. 

In the scenic mountain town of Hochatown, Oklahoma—where Broken Bow Lake and Beavers Bend State Park draw thousands of visitors each year—there’s a retail gem that blends charm, quality, and a whole lot of Hochatime. Meet Hochatown Mountain Co., a fast-growing boutique that has become a favorite for tourists and locals alike. 

Tariffs are taxes placed on goods that are imported from other countries. They’re designed to protect domestic industries by making imported products more expensive. If you’re sourcing inventory (clothing, gifts, home goods, etc.) from overseas suppliers—especially in countries like China, Vietnam, or India—tariffs might increase the landed cost of those products. That means your wholesale cost goes up… and you either absorb it or pass it on to customers. 

In the heart of the Lone Star State, a retail destination has become a tradition for generations. Today, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on Harry’s Boots, a western apparel and gift store in San Saba, Texas, that’s been outfitting locals (and visitors from far and wide) since 1939. With five historic buildings, a fiercely loyal customer base, and a product selection that covers everything from boots to Brighton, Harry’s is more than just a store—it’s an experience.